Player Profile – Riley Norton (Paul Roos Gimnasium)
Paul Roos Gimasium‘s rising star, Riley Norton, cemented his place in South African sporting history when, in 2023, he joined an elite list containing only 14 other sportsmen who have obtained SA Schools colours for both rugby and cricket.
We spoke to him last year ahead of the ICC u19 Cricket World Cup, which was set to take place in Sri Lanka but was subsequently moved to home soil. Norton shone at that tournament, helping to power South Africa to the semi-finals.
Speaking to him again recently, Norton looked back on what has already been an action-packed year, filled with highlights.
“It has been busy, yes, but it’s been great! It keeps everything interesting and exciting. I definitely think the two sports have taught me a lot that I can use between them.
“Technically, things such as your hand-eye coordination definitely improves on the rugby field, but the biggest help that cricket has brought to the rugby field, for me, is mental. It teaches patience and perseverance. For me, both sports have helped me greatly,” he reflected.
He has, unquestionably, carried over those attributes to the rugby field, captaining the PRG first team and helping them go undefeated through the second term. He has subsequently been selected to represent the Western Province at the Craven Week again, where he will be one of the favourites to earn a spot in the SA Schools team for a second year in succession.
“I’m extremely excited about Craven Week. The tournament is great fun and a place where you grow tremendously.
“It’s always proper competition and the teams you play are strong, which brings the best out in you. It’s also special to play with a new team and learn from the people around you.”
Despite having already proven himself at the top level, Norton remains stoic about what needs to be done to keep moving forward.
“There are no expectations going into it. It’s a fresh start and we must just focus on the next task,” he explained.
This year, the Maroon Machine is yet to meet its match and Norton has been at the heart of their efforts, seamlessly switching between the second row and loose trio as needed, and always finding a way to make an impact.
“The season has been incredible so far. Some of the highlights are definitely beating Affies at Noord Suid, beating Paarl Boys at home and then narrowly getting a win against Paarl Gim away.
“These were some great games and memories that will last a lifetime. The goal for us in the third term is to just continue to get better and take it game by game. Schoolboy rugby is very competitive, and we can’t take any of our opponents for granted.”
PRG’s unbeaten run started even earlier when the proud Stellenbosch outfit put together an unbeaten tour of Ireland in December 2023, and Norton credits much of their success this season to the bonds they built there.
“The tours have definitely been a big part of our success. Being with each other the whole time and learning from one another has been special. We love being in each other’s company and doing activities together. The fun times off the field together allow us to trust and be there for each other on the field.
“I think what’s been working for us is just realising the way in which we play and sticking to our strengths. We make sure to not complicate things and do what we are good at.
“The team has been incredible in the way we have pulled together and how we are playing for something bigger than ourselves. We are willing to sacrifice for each other and give 100 percent,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“Paul Roos has been incredible throughout the five years. I couldn’t have asked for a better school to be a part of and represent.
“The rugby coaches, Corne Uys and Erhardt Muth, have supported me no matter what. The cricket coaches, Deon Botes and Brad Haller, have guided me and been there for me through thick and thin.
“The institution has helped me tremendously with academics and always checks up on me. I’m excited to give everything for the final few months and not take anything for granted. It’s been an incredible time and I’ve developed memories to last a lifetime.”
![Charlie Hofmeyr u16 - 2018 [captained by Cameron Hanekom]](https://ssschoolsplus.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WhatsApp-Image-2024-11-20-at-09.03.03-400x257.jpeg)
